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Optometrist Salary in Billings, MT

How much does a optometrist make in Billings? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for Billings's cost of living.

Median Salary
$119,518
per year in Billings
Entry Level
$72,289
Starting salary
Senior Level
$163,855
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
108
8% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how optometrist salaries break down across different pay periods in Billings.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$72,289$119,518$163,855
Monthly$6,024$9,960$13,655
Biweekly$2,780$4,597$6,302
Weekly$1,390$2,298$3,151
Hourly$35$57$79

Billings vs National Average

How Billings's optometrist salaries compare to national figures.

Billings Salary
$119,518
COL Index: 108
National Average
$128,680
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$9,162
Lower in Billings

Cost of Living in Billings

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,500
per month
Median Income
$57,234
per year
Population
130,851
residents
Rent % of Income
31.4%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 108 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Billings have been adjusted to account for local cost differences.

About Optometrist

Overview

Perform eye exams and prescribe corrective lenses and treatments.

Education

Doctor of Optometry (OD); licensure required

Key Skills

Eye ExaminationLens PrescriptionPatient CareDiagnostic Skills

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +14% over the next decade

Compare Cities: Optometrist Salary

See Optometrist salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$160,520
+34%
Los Angeles, CA
$137,070
+15%
Chicago, IL
$138,510
+16%
Houston, TX
$124,780
+4%
Phoenix, AZ
$134,430
+12%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Optometrist Salary in Billings, MT — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a optometrist in Billings, MT is $119,518 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 108. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Billings's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level optometrist professionals in Billings can expect to earn around $72,289 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level optometrists earning approximately $163,855 per year. This represents a 127% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Billings's cost of living index of 108 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Billings are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $128,680, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a optometrist's salary in Billings typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,500 per month, housing represents about 15.1% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Optometrists are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 14% over the next decade. In Billings, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Data source: Salary estimates on this page are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, adjusted for regional cost of living differences. Figures are approximate and intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, education, certifications, and local market conditions. This page does not constitute financial or career advice. For the most current wage data, visit bls.gov.